Discover the best of Namibia from its undulating sand dunes to the arid landscapes of the Kalahari with charming colonial towns to explore and national parks primed for safari adventurePlan your tailor-made holiday

Make your Namibia holiday run as smoothly as the desert dunes with the aid of our travel guide resources that include top destinations to visit, when to go, where to spot wildlife and what to expect of our accommodation options View Our Travel Guide

Not Included

Gorilla Permit and transfer fee: Please note that Gorillas often move across the border, between the national parks in Rwanda and Uganda, therefore itineraries often have to be changed at short notice in order to track the Gorillas in whichever National Park they have migrated to. For this reason the cost of the Gorilla Permit and relevant transfers varies, as do the applicable visa costs, dependent upon which country we need to travel into. Permits are subject to availability and need to be booked in advance.

Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Optional activities

Local Payment: $2750pp, paid in USD

International flights and visas

Sleeping bag - please bring your own

Entrance Fees: Gorilla Permit + Transfer USD$720-870pp, paid in USD

Itinerary

Welcome to South Africa. We will be there to meet you at Cape Town airport and transfer you to the backpackers in the gardens area of the city. Our first night will be in dormitory accommodation. A welcome meeting will take place tonight at 1700 where you will be able to meet your tour leader and other members of your group. Overnight: Cape Town

Cape Town - Cederberg. On our way out of the city we drive past the beautiful Table Bay area. Our destination today is the Cederberg Mountains where we stay at a beautiful campsite surrounded by wine farms. Arriving in the afternoon we have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines before spending our first night under canvass.
Overnight: Cederberg | Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Gariep River

Cederberg - Gariep River. We depart Cederberg and head through the Namaqualand - famous for its wildflowers that appear every spring. We stop briefly in the mining town of Springbok before arriving at the Gariep (Orange) River which forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia. We spend a second night under canvass. Overnight: Gariep River | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gariep River - Fish River Canyon (Namibia). This morning opt to join half day canoe trip on the Gariep River before crossing into Namibia this afternoon. We visit the Fish River Canyon - the world's second largest canyon (after the USA's Grand Canyon) before spending the night nearby.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fish River Canyon - Sesriem. Today we head towards Namibia's vast desert - the Namib Naukluft. We spend the night in Sesriem before we get to explore the desert tomorrow. Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sesriem - Solitaire. Entering the desert this morning we get the opportunity to climb the famous Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Depending on the time of year we aim to get up there for sunrise and watch the amazing changing colours of the dunes. Afterwards we further explore the area of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sesriem - Swakopmund. On day 7 we head off towards the Atlantic Ocean and the colonial German town of Swakopmund, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn for the obligatory photo stop en route. We spend the next 2 nights in this lovely town in dormitory accommodation. There are a number of exciting optional excursions to enjoy including sky diving, dolphin cruises and dune boarding. Overnight: Swakopmund | Breakfast x 2

Day 9

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund - Brandberg. Leaving Swakopmund behind we take a brief stop at Spitzkoppe - 'the Matterhorn of Namibia' - a well known ancient San sacred site. Our final destination is Brandberg.Overnight: Brandberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Brandberg - Etosha National Park area. Continuing north we head towards Namibia's premier national park - Etosha and our campsite nearby. We start exploring the park on day 11 including the vast Etosha Pan - home to a large variety of both animal and bird life. Overnight: Etosha National Park area | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp in the north of the park, at Namutoni. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.Overnight: Etosha National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-15

Windhoek & Ghanzi

Etosha - Windhoek - Ghanzi - Maun (Botswana). Leaving the park we head to Namibia's capital Windhoek for the night before departing on day 14 for neighbouring Botswana. Our first overnight in Botswana is in Ghanzi in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and home to San Bushmen. On day 15 we drive to Maun - our base for our included excursion into the Okavango Delta. Overnight: Windhoek (1), Ghanzi (1) Maun (1) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 2

Maun - Okavango Delta. Today we depart for the Okavango Delta - the world's largest inland delta. Our journey into the delta is mainly by mokoro (dugout canoe) safely guided by our trusty polers. Arriving at our mobile tented camp in the heart of the delta we meet the local staff who will host us during our stay. Whilst staying here we will have the opportunity to take guided wildlife walks and try our hand at poling out own mokoros!Overnight: Okavango Delta | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Okovango Delta – Maun. We pack up this morning and return to our mokoros for our journey back to the mainland. We plan to get to the campsite in Maun around lunchtime. Those who want to see more of the delta can take an optional scenic flight over the delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).Overnight: Maun | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Nata Region

Maun - Nata Region. We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning as we depart to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands. The drive will take you through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at our campsite you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or a bushwalk. Overnight: Nata Region | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nata Region - Chobe. Travelling north we head to the town of Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. On day 20 we pack up and head out on our overnight excursion to Chobe National Park.

Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! Overnight: Kasane (1), Chobe (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Leaving the park in the morning we return to Kasane to join our truck and continue onto our next destination - Victoria Falls into Zimbabwe. We spend the next 3 nights here in Victoria Falls which is the adrenaline capital of Africa. You can choose to either relax for a few days or take part in a whole host of exciting activities on offer including white water rafting, abseiling, microlight flights to name just a few. Overnight: Victoria Falls | Breakfast x 3

Victoria Falls - Kasane (Botswana) - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Vic Falls on this morning we cross back into Botswana and back to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River.

The following morning, we get back on our truck and continue to the town of Livingstone in Zambia. This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Another fantastic photo opportunity!
Overnight: Kasane (1), Livingstone (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2

Days 26-28

South Luangwa NP

Livingstone - Lusaka Area - Luangwa. We spend the next two days continuing through Zambia with an overnight in the Lusaka area before heading to South Luangwa National Park for game drives and a night in the park itself. Animals such as giraffe, buffalo and elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc. Overnight: Lusaka Area (1), South Luangwa (2) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Days 29-31

Lake Malawi Beaches

South Luangwa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind we enter the 'Warm Heart of Africa' Malawi. Our first stop is the capital Lilongwe before we arrive at our first night by the beautiful lake. We spend 3 nights by Lake Malawi first night at the central lake and the next two in the north. Overnight: Lake Malawi | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Iringa - Dar es Salaam. Our destination today is the busy city of Dar Es Salaam. On the way we will pass through Mikumi National Park where it is very possible to see wildlife roaming around the road. Our campsite tonight is a coastal campsite where we relax and prepare for our journey to Zanzibar tomorrow. Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. We depart Dar Es Salaam this morning for the ferry over to Zanzibar. We spend three nights here - one in the capital Stone Town and two up at he northern beaches. Our stay here also includes a Spice Tour in Stone Town and a Dhow Sunset cruise whilst at the beach. Overnight: Zanzibar | Breakfast x 1

Meserani - Serengeti & Ngorongoro. This morning we visit the Meserani Reptiel Park and Masai Culture Museum before preparing for our exciting journey into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Over the next couple of days we will game drive in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro whilst camping nearby. We hope to spot lots of exciting game including the famous Big Five.

On the morning of day 42 we depart on a final game drive and the start of our journey back to Arusha. This evening we compare our amazing wildlife stories. Overnight: Karatu (1) Serengeti (1) Arusha (1) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). We set off early this morning and make our way to the Tanzania/ Kenyan border and the small border town of Namanga. After completing the border formalities, we continue on our journey to the Capital City Nairobi and our campsite on the outskirts of the city. Overnight: Nairobi | Breakfast

Nairobi - Masai Mara. Departing the capital - we travel along the Great Rift Valley and begin to enter Masai land. Our campsite whilst exploring the Masai Mara is Acacia Camp and we game drive in the park on day 45.

After our game drive, we have the option to visit one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – this is a traditional hamlet where the Masai still live in their traditional way. This evening we sit around the camp fire, and watch the sun set over this “Garden of Eden”Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 46-47

Kampala

Masai Mara - Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Leaving the Masai Mara we pass by pretty tea plantations before arriving at our campsite for the evening in Eldoret. The following morning we cross the border into Uganda and head to the capital Kampala for the night. Overnight: Eldoret (1), Kampala (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 48-51

Lake Bunyoni & Gorilla Trekking

Kampala - Lake Bunyoni. We depart Kampala and head towards beautiful Lake Bunyoni - the deepest crater lake in Africa. Lake Bunyoni is our base for the next few days as we journey into either Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in search of the magnificent mountain gorilla.

Kampala

Lake Bunyoni - Kampala. After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!Overnight: Kampala | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 53

Jinja

Kampala - Jinja. Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile or visiting a volunteer and community project. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area.Overnight: Jinja | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jinja - Lake Nakuru (Kenya). Today we return to Kenya and travel to Nakuru - capital of the Rift Valley province. We head to Lake Nakuru National Park and spend the night in the surrounding area.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha. This morning we explore Lake Nakuru National Park searching for black and white rhino as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way. On day 56 we head to Lake Naivasha where we have the option of visiting Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.Overnight: Nakuru (1) Naivasha (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Lake Naivasha - Nairobi. After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi usually arriving by late morning, or early afternoon. On arrival to Nairobi, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!Breakfast

GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS

Please note: Uganda Gorilla trekking permits need to be purchased in advance, and are subject to availability. Due to the limited availability of the trekking permits, we are unable to guarantee your permit upon receipt of payment. Should we be unable to obtain your permit you will receive a full refund. Please click here for further details on Gorilla permits.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. Single travellers will be paired up in tents with another person of the same gender.

Ashanti Lodge Gardens Backpackers, Cape Town

Situated in a Victorian mansion at the foot of Table Mountain, within walking distance of the city centre, Ashanti Lodge offers a range of 6 to 8 bed dormitories, in addition to private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. After a long day of sightseeing, travellers can unwind with a cocktail at the café-bar, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or relax in the landscaped garden. Kitchen/BBQ facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.

Highlanders Campsite & Lodge, Cederberg

Nestled among the wine farms at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, this campsite is a perfect stopover in the Namaqualand region. Highlanders is set on 3 levels, giving campers plenty of space between each of the 5 individual camp areas, and a 12-room ensuite lodge has recently been added to the site. Each camp has a 'braai' pit, sink unit & power. There are stunning mountain views from the solar-powered hot showers, and a locally-sourced wine bar by the scenic swimming pool.

Oasis Sossus, Sesriem

This luxury campsite at the gates of Sossusvlei features 12 individually shaded camps, each with its own bathroom facilities, kitchen basin, barbecue, and electricity points. The campsite has a sparkling pool, and is within walking distance of a fully stocked shop, Internet café, and service station. The adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge offers a restaurant and Adventure Centre, where exciting desert activities such as quad biking, sunset drives, and scenic flights over the dunes can be arranged.

Urban Camp, Windhoek

Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp is a comfortable campground combining city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi, a sparkling pool, and private bathrooms all contribute to an oasis of calm in campsites housing up to 18 people. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.

Delta Rain Bushcamp, Okavango Delta

This unique campsite is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as part of the Delta Rain safari experience. Accommodation consists of dome tents with twin beds, and "bush en-suite" bathrooms with a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. After settling in, guests can relax in the mess tent, partake in game viewing trips, or go on guided walks, while admiring the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls

Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.

Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Croc Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River, and provides accommodation ranging from riverfront tents to ensuite chalets, built on stilts to avoid the off-season floods. Watch elephants roam across the campsite, experience a game drive through South Luangwa National Park, or relax with a gin & tonic at the bar. The camp also features a large outdoor pool, kitchen facilities, and daily laundry service.

Kipepeo Village , Dar es Salaam

The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant.Upgrades are available to the twenty elevated ensuite chalets, built in the bush and decorated in traditional Swahili style, provide a stunning ocean views.

Kenya Comfort Hotel, Nairobi

Comfortable dormitory accommodation in central Nairobi (upgrades available on request). The Kenya Comfort Hotel also features an outdoor pool, restaurant serving a good array of local and international dishes as well as a fully stocked bar - perfect for relaxing before or after your epic overland adventure.

Naiberi River Campsite & Resort, Eldoret

Camp by the river Naiberi at this vintage resort 16km from Eldoret, which also offers spacious dorms, log cabins, and executive rooms built into the valley slopes. During the day, admire the wildlife, with a variety of local nature trails offering the chance to encounter over 250 bird species. At night, venture down to the famous cave restaurant and enjoy a meal within the stone walls, believed to have once housed members of the ancient Sirikwa tribe. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and extensive bar selection.

Red Chilli Hideaway, Kampala

Located on a purpose-built, 5-acre site in a peaceful suburb, the Red Chilli Hideaway offers affordable accommodation ranging from a campsite which we use for our overland safaris to private ensuite rooms for upgrades. Settle down for the day at the Hideaway's saltwater pool, self-catering kitchen, or restaurant & bar. The camp supports sustainable tourism and operates the Steve Willis Memorial Fund, whose proceeds go to providing clean drinking water in the Murchison Falls region.

Quick Links

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time. Conditions apply.

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. Single travellers will be paired up in tents with another person of the same gender.

Families with children and teens aged 6 - 17 are welcome on select departures of this safari. Children under 12 get 5% off the trip price (no reduction of the Local Payment). Please note that independent travellers aged 18 and over will also travel on these dates, these departures are not just for families.

Local Payment

This trip has a local payment. It is this payment which covers entrance fees, camping fees and meals as detailed for this itinerary. The local payment is in addition to the prices specified and is to be paid directly to the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip. The payment should be made in cash, in the currency specified.

Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations, as well as potential changes to park entrance fees, the local payment amount may be subject to change. We will however inform you of any such changes as soon as we are aware of them.

Essentials

Value and Freedom

On our Essentials range, we’ve kept things simple to give you amazing experiences at a great price.

As well as guided sightseeing of the key sites, there’s plenty of free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you. We’ve given you the flexibility to eat how you want too, by making most of the meals optional.

On your Essentials tour, you’ll be travelling the way the locals do to really get under the skin of your destination. Although we’ve kept costs down, these trips are far from slumming it, with accommodation spanning everything from dome tents to the occasional fancy hotel. Group sizes tend to be a little larger on our Essentials range to give you a social and fun travel experience with like-minded travellers.

A lot of our Essentials tours include a local payment. As well as keeping up front costs down for you, it means that even more of your money stays within the local area.

Guaranteed Departures

This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

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Accommodation on Tour

For all our tours and tailor-made holidays we provide you with a clear categorisation of all hotels we use. The REGIONAL CATEGORY indicates the local rating of each hotel in each respective country. We have also rated each hotel using OUR CATEGORY, which will be in line with generally accepted western hotel grading standards.

SimpleBasic hotels and simple accommodation is a no frills option with an adventurous authentic feel.

StandardEquates to a Western 3-star standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant.

SuperiorSuperior accommodation equates to a Western 4-star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant and often a swimming pool and/or a fitness centre.

DeluxeDeluxe accommodation equates to a Western 5-star standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, excellent service and customer care.

LuxuryLuxury accommodation equates to a Western 5-star plus standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, this accommodation is a cut above the rest. Sheer opulence!

Entrance Fees

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Namibia Overland Camping Safaris

On our overland camping safaris in Namibia, watch animals in their natural habitat congregate around the watering holes of Etosha National Park, climb up the vast dunes of Sossusvlei, meet the Himba tribe and take in amazing views over Fish River Canyon.

All of our Namibia overland safaris are led by 3 crew - a tour leader, driver and cook who have travelled extensively throughout the region. Combining truck transportation and camping in tents is the most cost-effective way of visiting Namibia and it gets you off the beaten track too.